Man convicted of attempted murder after shooting at CMPD officers in 2021

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) – A man has been convicted of attempted first-degree murder after shooting at Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers more than three years ago.

THE Mecklenburg County Prosecutor's Office said a jury found Shelton Smith, 36, guilty of the charge after a weeklong trial.

Prosecutors said the shooting happened on May 27, 2021, while CMPD detectives were investigating an armed robbery at a motel on Reagan Drive. During the theft, two victims were robbed by three suspects.

During the investigation, detectives identified a Mercury Grand Marquis as the suspect vehicle as well as two of the three suspects. While at another motel on Old Interstate Road, they found the car and saw Smith, who they were able to identify as the third suspect.

Officials said when they tried to arrest Smith, he ran away. Two officers chased him before Smith began shooting at them. One of the officers fought back, hitting him and allowing police to take him into custody. The police officer's actions were later found to be justified. No officers were injured.

In addition to the attempted murder offense, Smith was also charged with assaulting a law enforcement officer with a firearm and being a habitual armed felon.

The district attorney's office said he had already gone to trial on those charges in 2022, but when jurors failed to reach a unanimous verdict, a mistrial was declared. During last week's trial, he was found guilty on all three counts.

The other two people involved in the 2021 motel robbery have since been convicted of charges related to the incident.

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